Entering his third season, the eighth overall pick of a heralded 2012 quarterback draft class — Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and Russell Wilson are also members — understands it is time to deliver. Unlike his high-profile peers, Tannehill has yet to lead his team into the postseason.

"I definitely feel this team can make the playoffs and make a run to the Super Bowl," Tannnehill told USA TODAY Sports. "We have all the talent we need. Now whether we maximize our potential and play as a team week in, week out is to be determined.

"But from a talent and attitude standpoint, I like what I see."

Tannehill is surrounded by several new faces in his huddle.

"I see an offensive line with five new guys up front working hard to come together," he said before turning his attention to his receivers.

"A year with Mike Wallace, two with Brian Hartline, rookie Jarvis Landry and tight end Charles Clay, we have all the playmakers needed.

After posting a 15-17 record during his first two seasons in Miami, including 8-8 in 2013, the former Texas A&M quarterback not named Johnny Manziel knows the deal.

"Going into your third year as a quarterback, new offense, it's about stepping forward as a leader — being the guy everyone looks to on the team to win games," said Tannehill. "I want that pressure on my shoulders to go win games."

Until center Mike Pouncey is able to return from June hip surgery, the offensive line will start five players who weren't in the lineup last year. But new left tackle Branden Albert vows an improved group has Tannehill's back.

"It won't be 58 sacks (allowed) again," Albert, the former Kansas City Chiefs Pro Bowler who signed a five-year, $47 million deal told USA TODAY Sports. "I'm not going to allow it. We're not going to allow him to be hit that much. Point blank.

"We've got enough fight, enough smarts to get it done. ... We're still trying to get it. But we're working hard every day to jell."

Coach Joe Philbin said he'll know after this season what he has in Tannehill, who threw for 3,913 yards with 24 touchdowns and 17 interceptions a year ago.

"Especially the way the (collective bargaining agreement) is, you'd definitely like to know what you have in a quarterback after three years," Philbin said. "He's improved in Year 1 to 2. But we want to see more in Year 3.

Given his size (6-4, 220 pounds), strong arm and the mobility of a converted college wideout, Tannehill has everything needed to be a franchise quarterback. When given adequate blocking, he spins it as well as anyone.

But new offensive coordinator Bill Lazor, who served as Nick Foles' quarterbacks coach with the Philadelphia Eagles last year, has tweaked Tannehill's footwork. Lazor is also emphasizing getting the ball out quicker.

Lazor's multiple-look, balanced attack is designed to spread the ball but also open up deep passing lanes for speed receiver Wallace, whom Tannehill missed on most of their home run shots last season.

Tannehill spoke during the offseason with Foles, who have him a glowing endorsement of the benefits of Lazor's approach.

"We're constantly putting pressure on the quarterback to develop him," Lazor said. "We're running blitz periods, putting him in game situations in practice and making it hard. ... Ryan's a tough customer. He sat in there, was sacked 58 times and didn't flinch.

"You have to build a quarterback by putting them in tough situations so that on the practice field he has to play at game speed. And then the game will start to feel like practice. ... He's very intelligent. He's doing everything he can to please."

Which is why Philbin and Lazor have been complimentary so far. But Tannehill knows he has to deliver far more than positive practice reps to a fan base that last saw its team in the playoffs six years ago.

"It's been a dry run here postseason-wise," said Tannehill. "The city is excited. They saw the potential we have.

"Now it's just a matter of maximizing that potential and making it count when the games come up."

QB Russell Wilson watches from the Seahawks practice facility in Renton, Wash., as a Marines swimmer jumps from a helicopter into Lake Washington during a military demonstration July 31.
Ted S. Warren, AP

Kansas City Chiefs running backs coach Eric Bieniemy gives instruction to Jamaal Charles during a NFL training camp, Wednesday, July 30, 2014 on the Missouri Western State University campus in St. Joseph. Mo.
Todd Weddle, AP